Suntech response to preliminary decision on CVD tariffs in subsidy investigation on PV cells from China

SAN FRANCISCO, USA: Suntech Power Holdings Co. Ltd, the world's largest producer of solar panels, offers the following statement regarding the US Department of Commerce's preliminary decision to impose countervailing duties (CVD) of 2.9 percent on Suntech's crystalline silicon photovoltaic cells imported from China.

"This initial decision reflects the reality that Suntech's global success is based on free and fair competition. Nonetheless, unilateral trade barriers, large or small, will further delay our transition away from fossil fuels at a time when the majority of Americans demand cleaner and more secure energy such as solar," said Andrew Beebe, Suntech's chief commercial officer.

"As a global company with global supply chains and manufacturing facilities in three countries, we are well prepared for the future. Regardless whether tariffs are imposed on solar cells from China, we can provide our customers in the US with hundreds of megawatts of high-quality and affordable solar products that are not subject to tariffs. As a local manufacturer with production in Arizona, we will continue to remain an active member of the American solar industry and maintain focus on making solar energy affordable for everyone, everywhere."